2023
2023 Ver Steeg Awards
Named for Clarence Ver Steeg, PhD, former Northwestern University Professor in History and Dean of The Graduate School from 1975 to 1986, this award recognizes one outstanding graduate faculty member and one non-faculty staff member for excellence in working with students of The Graduate School.
Kate Masur, PhD | Professor of History & Board of Visitors Professor, Department of History
Faculty Award
“Regardless of the role she is in—journal editor, conference program chair, administrator, teacher, PhD adviser, etc.—Kate champions the work and well-being of graduate students. She especially takes care to uplift women and scholars of color, helping to make the History Department at NU, as well as the broader profession, a more equitable space. In a combination that seems all too rare in academia, she is a generous, savvy, and tenacious advocate.”
Jena Pitman-Leung, PhD | Assistant Director, Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience
Staff Award
“At every turn of my PhD, Jena has been there with endless support, joy, and resources to ensure I succeed here at Northwestern. She loves this university and this program with all of her heart ... from academic progress, scientific development, emotional well-being, financial security, and being a listening ear—basically every aspect of a good administration—Jena has her students’ best interests in mind. She is without a doubt crucial to this program and its success.”